Council leader rules out financial support for the airport
10.02.11
The idea of council cash being used to support Durham Tees Valley Airport has been ruled out by a council leader, the Evening Gazette reports. Councillor George Dunning, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, said local authorities in the area should continue to work with the airport to help drive forward the local economy, but would not support it financially.
Redcar resident Ken Bibby asked a meeting of councillors if more support could be given to the airport as the council is already investing heavily in projects that it hopes will attract visitors and businesses to the area. He said passenger numbers have declined over 10 years from 750,000 to 250,000, with an even more marked decline in cargo handling. He added that millions of pounds are being spent on Redcar seafront, the Vertical Pier and The Hub to attract more visitors and businesses.
Mr Bibby said the airport was partly owned by the local authorities. Recently a £6 passenger facility charge was introduced at the airport to raise between £250,000 - £500,000. He said dividing that between the six councils with a share in the airport would have meant each contributing around £60,000 that was ‘peanuts compared to the council’s other ventures’.
Cllr Dunning said it was important to recognise Redcar and Cleveland did have a direct stake in the airport through the council's role as a shareholder, like neighbouring authorities. But he added: ‘Having said that, it is also important to understand the airport is a commercial company, with most shares being held by private sector interests, notably Vancouver Airport Services. I do not believe at this time, when we are facing unprecedented pressures, we could justify diverting resources into a commercial business.’
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